Wellness Wednesday: Social Engagement Series

Creative Connections is an arts-based wellness program designed to support the emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. In this session, our facilitators will introduce the creative practices they use—including acting, improvisation, voice work, choreography, drama therapy, music therapy, mindfulness, and movement.

After sharing an overview of their approach, they will guide participants through a series of simple, engaging activities. Together, we’ll explore how creative expression can spark connection, build confidence, and offer meaningful tools for well-being.

Speaker

Maggie Ivancic MSW, LCSW
Center Coordinator & Clinical Social Worker
UNC Chapel Hill, Movement Disorders Center, Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence

Heather Davis Cuevas, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
UNC Chapel Hill, Movement Disorders Center, Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.

Due to the nature of our social engagement programs and to protect the privacy of participants, we will not be recording or archiving these programs. By not recording, it's our hope that the program provides a comfortable environment that encourages meaningful participation.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment that can improve quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease by helping to manage symptoms that may not be fully supported with medication. This webinar will provide an overview of recent advances is DBS technology that hold promise for people with Parkinson’s by providing more effective, personalized and convenient treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms.

Speaker

Arjun Tarakad
Associate Professor of Neurology
Director of Deep Brain Stimulation Program
Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic
Baylor College of Medicine
Department of Neurology

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

We want to thank this webinar's sponsor, Boston Scientific, for supporting our mission. 

Wellness Wednesday: Expert Briefing Series

Tremor, Shakes, & Everything in Between: Parkinson's Motor Symptoms

Motor symptoms are among the most recognizable aspects of Parkinson’s disease. From tremor and rigidity to dystonia, dyskinesia, and changes in posture and gait, these symptoms can affect daily life in unique ways. We will explore the wide spectrum of motor symptoms, how they evolve, and strategies for managing them.

The Foundation's Expert Briefing series is intended to offer firsthand access to the latest research and updates from experts in the field. Expert Briefing webinars will include more scientific terms and concepts.

Speaker

Pablo Coss, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology, UTH San Antonio
Movement Disorders Specialist
Director, HDSA Center of Excellence, San Antonio
UT Health San Antonio

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

Regístrese Aquí

La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) sigue siendo una condición con muchas incógnitas, pero la investigación constante nos está ayudando a cerrar estas brechas en el conocimiento. En los últimos años, se han logrado importantes avances en las terapias diseñadas no sólo para el manejo de los síntomas motores y no motores, sino también para frenar el avance de la enfermedad. Este programa explorará los últimos hallazgos en la investigación de la EP y tratamientos innovadores.

10 a.m. hora del Pacífico (California)
11 a.m. hora de la Montaña (Colorado, Arizona y Nuevo México)
12 p.m. hora del Centro (Texas y Ciudad de México)
1 p.m. hora del Este (Nueva York, Peru y Colombia)
2 p.m. hora de Venezuela
3 p.m. hora de Chile y Argentina
7 p.m. hora de España

*Por favor, verifica su zonas horarias.*

Presentadora

Dra. Natalie Diaz
Trastornos del movimiento, Neurología
Pacific Neuroscience Institute

¿En busca de algo más? Podrá encontrar todos nuestros videos de EP Salud en Casa en YouTube.

Más información:

Todos los eventos de “EP Salud en Casa" – Parkinson.org/EPSalud.

Una lista de nuestros recursos en español – Parkinson.org/Recursos

Línea de Ayuda – 1-800-473-4636, opción 3 para español.

A dynamic, high-energy circuit combining aerobic activity with lower-body strength and power. Participants will move through stations designed to challenge endurance, build strength, and enhance functional mobility. This session focuses on improving cardiovascular fitness, explosive movement, and high amplitude training, all while maintaining accessibility and safety for people of varying abilities.

Instructors

Bethany Althaus, PT, DPT, NCS, PWR! Moves
Director of Clinical Excellence at Maine Strong Balance Centers 

Anna Chornyak, PT, LSVT, PWR! Moves

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

What do Shakespeare, opera, and pickleball have in common? Join Kurt Brungardt for an engaging, playful session that trains your brain, body, and spirit. Through a mix of movement, vocal exercises, and expressive activities, participants will explore voice, speech, expression, and balance in ways that awaken confidence, presence, and joy.

No acting, singing, or fitness experience is required—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore. This session blends creativity and physicality, offering a unique opportunity to connect with your body, strengthen your voice, and have fun along the way.

Speaker

Kurt Brungardt
Writer, Director, Teacher, and Personal trainer
Shakespeare for Parkinson's

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

Power Over Parkinson’s is a workout designed to help manage the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Join us for both seated and standing exercises that will improve stability, power and gait function. Gain strength and confidence in managing Parkinson’s challenges!

Instructors

Trish Froehlich, NAFC* (Coach)

Cindy Rosato, NAFC* (Coach)

Mark (PD Student)

*NAFC = National Association of Fitness Certifications

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

Join us for a dynamic, full-body workout designed to enhance the key areas of fitness recommended by the Parkinson’s Foundation—cardio, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and balance. This session focuses on practical, functional movements you can use every day to stay active, confident, and independent. You’ll leave feeling energized and equipped with exercises to help maintain mobility and support overall well-being.

Equipment needed: sturdy chair, water, towel, light dumbbells (or household alternatives like water bottles or soup cans)

Instructors

Allison Boshart, Physical Therapist, DPT
PWR! (Parkinson's Wellness Recovery), Delay the Disease, LSVT Big
Instructor of the Premier Parkinson’s Wellness Program at Miami Valley Hospital North

Alec Heffner, AT, CSCS, TSAC-F, TPI F2
Total Health Works Parkinson's
Instructor of the Premier Health Parkinson’s Wellness Program at Miami Valley Hospital North

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup, and join us for an open conversation with the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sneha Mantri and guest expert, Dr. Matthew Burns. Our Coffee & Conversation series creates a space for you to ask the questions that matter most. This sessions will focuse on the movement symptoms of Parkinson's. 

From tremors to stiffness to changes in balance, movement symptoms are often the most visible signs of Parkinson’s—but they can also be the most misunderstood. In this session, Dr. Sneha Mantri Dr. Matthew Burns will answer your questions about managing, treating, and living with movement symptoms.

Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Bring the conversation. Don’t forget your coffee (or tea!).

Speakers

Sneha Mantri, MD, MS
Neurologist, Duke University
Chief Medical Officer, Parkinson's Foundation 

Matthew R. Burns, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health, Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

Navigating medical appointments with Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming, especially when time is limited, and priorities compete. The Parkinson’s Foundation Optimizing Care Initiative emphasizes the importance of what matters to you—ensuring your voice, story, and needs are central to your care. This webinar will explore practical strategies for self-advocacy, how to use storytelling to share your health journey effectively, and ways to clearly communicate your priorities so you leave your appointments feeling heard and empowered. 

Speaker

Sneha Mantri, MD, MS
Neurologist, Duke University
Chief Medical Officer, Parkinson's Foundation

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.